UWTSD celebrates 25 years of Motorsport Engineering Degree Programme
This academic year is the 25th anniversary of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s BEng Motorsport Engineering Degree Programme. It was pioneering at the time, being the first of its kind in the world.
Through the vision of Roger Dowden, and guidance from the Motorsport Industry Association, the course has made graduates valuable assets in the competitive world of motorsports and automotive engineering, with many working as race engineers, aerodynamicists, data analysts or in managerial positions for racing teams.
Others have found opportunities in automotive companies, specialising in high performance vehicle development.
Alumni who now work at world-leading automotive companies such as McLaren, Gordon Murray, Arc, Bentley, Ford, and Toyota Gazoo Racing returned to UWTSD last year to share their career journeys and successes with the current student cohort.
Abi Penny, Senior Lecturer in Motorsports Engineering at UWTSD, said: “The guidance we get from industry advisors on our course content makes our graduates distinctive and highly employable. It has reinforced that our combination of practical experience combined with traditional academic content is our unique selling point.”
Reflecting on their time at UWTSD, some of the alumni speakers offered thoughts on how their degree had helped shape their careers. Describing his time at UWTSD as “incredibly helpful and nourishing,” Mark Truman, CEO and Founder of Arc Vehicles, said: “The things I learnt in terms of work ethic have been invaluable, which I’ve carried with me throughout my career.
“The fundamentally great thing about this university is the real hands-on, practical experience that it gives people. I had looked at more theoretical courses at the time, and I don’t think any of them would have ignited the passion in me as much as being able to get my hands on vehicles, experiment, make modifications and take them on the track to see how they perform. That’s something this university does extremely well.”
Offering advice to current students, he says: “Don’t be afraid to take risks, don’t give up, and really cherish what you’ve got. If you keep trying, you’ll get there in the end.”
Next week ( January 11 to 14) programme lecturers and students will be exhibiting at Autosport International at Birmingham NEC, Europe’s biggest motorsport event.
Autosport International is the showcase for the intoxicating world of competitive motorsport - for the cars, the drivers, the series’ - from the grass roots of karting to the elite competition of Formula 1.
They will join racing enthusiasts, race licence holders, industry professionals, drivers, family groups - and some of the most famous names in racing.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071